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LGBTQ+ History Month: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Love Stories
February is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to reflect on the diverse history, achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. The month was created in 1994 by public school teacher Rodney Wilson in Missouri, USA, and later established in the UK in 2005 by Schools OUT UK co-chairs and activists Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick. Their work has been instrumental in improving education and increasing the visibility of the community's history.
Each year, a theme is chosen for LGBTQ+ History; for 2025, it’s Activism and Social Change. Given that February is also known for Valentine’s Day, we thought we’d share the love stories of some inspirational LGBTQ+ couples throughout history, including a special shout-out to some of our very own K&A clients!
At King & Allen, we resonate deeply with this year’s theme for LGBTQ+ History month, and are committed to making a social change in the tailoring industry by providing a safe and inclusive space for anyone to feel seen, supported and empowered.
Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas
(1907-1946)
Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) was a prominent 20th-century cultural figure, an impressive writer, and an influential art collector who explored gender-fluidity, identity and desire in works like Q.E.D. and Tender Buttons. By her side for decades, Alice B. Toklas (1877–1967) was a creative force in her own right, who gained fame through The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, written by Stein.
Both American Jews departing San Fransisco, they met in Paris, the city-of-love, in 1907 and continued as lifelong partners. Meeting in their 30s, their story is one of unwavering companionship and resilience, as they defied societal norms and navigated the challenges of World War I - even distributing medical supplies for the American Fund for French Wounded.
Their relationship became even more renowned given their prominent role in the French art scene. Known for hosting art exhibitions that gathered renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, their home became a vibrant hub for the creative minds of the era, helping recognise talent in diverse identities and providing a space where self-expression could flourish freely - the kind of space King & Allen strive to create for all our clients, fostering individuality, supportiveness and creativity.
Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera
(1922-1954)
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was one of Mexico's most influential painters, known for her nature-inspired and identity-exploring self-portraits. With resistance in her heart and a vision for societal change, Frida often used her work to explore race, class, gender and sexuality. However, her love story with muralist Diego Rivera (1886-1957) is the brush that stroked the most passion, scandals and intensity.
Married - Divorced - Married
The pair met when Kahlo joined the Mexican Communist Party, and they married for the first time in 1929. They had a turbulent marriage, each having numerous affairs. Openly bisexual, Frida often had connections with multiple women and men, and their intertwined love stories were often illustrated back into her artwork. Diego also shared different lovers, some close to home, such as Frida's younger sister Cristina, leading to their divorce.
Yet, their connection proved unbreakable, and they remarried a year later, staying together until Frida’s passing. Kahlo’s and Diego’s love demonstrated that love and sexuality are unique experiences, both expressed differently by each individual. Their openness challenged societal norms and encouraged others to embrace love without fear of judgment.
Bayard Rustin & Walter Naegle
(1977-1987)
Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) was an influential American civil rights activist and one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s closest advisors, playing a key role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington. In 1977, he met his partner, Walter Naegle (born 1949), in New York, and their relationship became a powerful symbol of enduring LGBTQ+ love. At a time when racial tensions were high and same-sex marriage was illegal, the couple faced immense challenges preventing them from being publicly together.
An inspiring decision of passionate dedication, Rustin legally adopted Naegle, a decision made easier by their age gap, to secure some of the rights that were otherwise only granted to heterosexual married couples. Their love story remains a testament to the resilience of LGBTQ+ couples who fought for recognition before equality was within reach.
Frank Kameny and Jack Nichols
(1957 - 1960)
Both gay rights activists of the 20th century, Frank Kameny (1925-2011) and Jack Nichols (1938-2005) had a platonic form of love, shared through their dedication to fight for gay rights.
Former WW2 veteran Kameny went to work for the Army Map Service and received backlash due to his sexuality, resulting in him turning to LGBTQ+ rights. After dedicating his life to advocating for change, Kameny made history in the 1970s as the first member of the District of Columbia's Human Rights Commission to be openly gay. He also popularised the empowering phrase "Gay is Good".
Nichols was also influential. He co-founded the Mattachine Society of Florida alongside Kameny, one of the first organisations dedicated to gay rights, and together, they led the first gay rights march before the White House. In partnership, they have changed history for the better and are an example of how a love story doesn’t need to be romantic to make a long-lasting difference.
And our very own K&A Clients…
Lucy Spraggan & Emilia Smith
(2023 - to date)
Lucy Spraggan (born 1991) is a talented English singer-songwriter who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2012. Does her single Tea & Toast ring a bell? She has always had a loyal fanbase that admires her for her queer representation and advocacy for body positivity. In 2023, she released her memoir Process: Finding My Way Through, in which she discusses her struggles with past trauma, and journey with gender fluidity.
In 2013, Lucy met Emilia Smith, a highly-regarded wedding and lifestyle photographer. Whilst initially starting as friends, they grew closer as they uplifted each other through struggles with mental health. After a decade of friendship, Lucy and Emilia Smith tied the knot in June 2024. For the wedding, Lucy wore a King & Allen bespoke 3-piece all-white suit featuring a cropped, double-breasted jacket and wide-leg pleated trousers.
Max Siegel & Lori-Jade Siegel
(2020 - to date)
Max Siegel is an LGBTQ+ and transgender inclusion speaker, activist, content creator and photographer who married Lori-Jade Siegel in 2023. Lori is not only a pioneer of vintage-dress, but also an inspiring activist, committed to being open about body inclusivity, mental health, and much more. She is also a massive advocate for the neurodivergent community.
From meeting in lockdown to supporting each other in using their platforms to make a positive social change, Max and Lori’s love story is one of openness and honesty. Not being scared to show the realness of relationships amongst the misleading content online is what we need more of.
King & Allen had the pleasure of being part of their special romance, creating Max’s wedding suit, a single-breasted three-piece in a deep forest green, with a notch lapel, four pockets, and trousers pleats.
Whether it’s to bring about awareness and empowerment within and beyond the community, or to celebrate resilience and joy, share your story by emailing info@kingandallen.co.uk.
References:
https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/frank-kameny-wwii-veteran-patriot-and-lgbtq-activist
https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/gertrude-stein-alice-b-toklas-love-story
https://www.outthere.travel/bayard-rustin-walter-nagle-nyc/
https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/07/06/frida-kahlo-birthday-bisexual-artist/
Keen to pour some love into a Suit?
